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Half Moon Bay Latest CA City to Ban Plastic Bags

February 22, 2013 by adminify

Half Moon Bay is banning most disposable bags at local stores. Following the lead of many other Bay Area cities, Half Moon Bay became the latest town on Tuesday night to ban single-use plastic bags. The City Council passed the new ordinance unanimously. The ban will officially take effect on April 22nd. However, San Mateo County health officials say they won’t start enforcing it until October.

Beach Front in Half Moon Bay

Along with banning plastic bags, the proposed ban calls for a 10-cent surcharge on paper and that fee would increase to 25 cents in 2015. Retailers will be able to keep the revenue generated by the paper bag surcharge. Retail stores stuck with excess inventory of plastic bags will be able to donate them for uses that are exempt under the ban. For example, non-profit organizations, such as thrift shops, would still be able to use plastic bags and could provide a tax write-off for bag donations. Certain additional items would be exempt under the new ordinance, such as meats, drug prescriptions, garment bags and greeting cards. In addition, restaurants will be allowed to use plastic bags for to-go orders.